CHICAGO - The UIC women's gymnastics team held its annual awards banquet that celebrated the team returning to the NCAA Regionals, as well as honoring individual members on the team for their contributions throughout the season.

The team celebrated a memorable season as the team finished 29th in the nation, the highest end-of-the-season ranking in program history. The Flames also earned an NCAA Regional berth; it was the team's first appearance since the 2007 season.

Duggan and Lemieux-Guillemette also received "The Rock Award" for hitting 100 percent of their routines on bars and beam, while also being selected as the team's "Most Improved UIC Gymnast" for increasing their consistency during the 2011-12 season.

The "Most Valuable Gymnast" award was shared by six members of the team who compiled 9.8 scores consistently and truly made the season a team effort. The individuals who received the award are Chantel Turk, Andrea Skala, Duggan, Rachel Montoya, Dion and Lemieux-Guillemette.

The Lizette Labuschagne Scholarship was awarded to Montoya. The award was presented by former UIC gymnast and Olympian for South Africa, Zandre Labuschagne.

The team closed out the program by honoring senior co-captains, Skala and Montoya, while also bidding farewell to Lemieux-Guillemette, who plans to return to Canada to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy.